After a strong start to the season, Los Angeles have slipped up in recent weeks, securing only three points from the last four games. Their last victory came at home to New England Revolution on May 8.
With the United States extending their run in the 100th edition of the Copa to the quarter finals, TFC will once again be without their talismanic captain Michael Bradley. Even if the U.S. go out on Thursday against Ecuador, the earliest Bradley could be back in contention is for next week’s Voyagers Cup final.
Will Johnson partnered Benoit Cheyrou against Montreal last week in a 4-2-3-1 formation coach Greg Vanney is likely to persist with.
Sebastian Giovinco will come in for Jordan Hamilton up top and Tsubasa Endoh may return to the line-up after suffering a few niggling injuries.
The Voyageurs Cup proved a welcome distraction for TFC following a slump in performances in regular league play. Since sliding to a 3-0 defeat at New York Red Bulls on May 28, the Reds have overcome Montreal Impact over two legs in the Canadian Championship, securing a spot in the final, where they will face Vancouver Whitecaps.
The loss in New York was a second straight shutout in attack for Toronto, who currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference with 16 points. Giovinco will look to get back on the scoresheet. The Italian hasn’t found the back of the net in just over a month.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy have the most prolific offence in MLS so far this season with 27 goals, almost twice that of Toronto (14).
TFC’s last home win vs. the Galaxy came in 2008. L.A. are undefeated against Toronto in 10 games.
Projected Line-ups
Toronto: C.Irwin, J.Morrow, D.Moor, D.Perquis, S.Beitashour, B.Cheyrou, W.Johnson, J.Osorio, , D.Lovitz S.Giovinco, M.Babouli
Los Angeles: B.Rowe, J.Van Damme, D.Steres, R.Rodgers, A.Cole, N.de Jong, M.Magee, S.Gerrard, G.dos Santos, S.Lletget, E.Boateng.
Referee: Ricardo Salazar
Broadcast: SN 360